Welcome to Future Transport Tasmania

We are here to lobby for better public transport and rail infrastructure in Tasmania. We aim to find solutions to allow all Tasmanians to have environmentally responsible and affordable commuting options to get around our state and towns. A more detailed mission statement can be found in the left column or <here>.

Find our articles below, starting with the most recent ones first:

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Community
public transport group, Future Transport Tasmania (FTT), today congratulated
the Tasmanian State Labor Party for finally committing to the Northern Suburbs
Railway proposal. FTT agrees that it is
far more than just a railway or transport project, but one that can revitalize
inner-suburban development, creating many more jobs, as well as improved access
to jobs. However, FTT does have concerns
regarding Labor’s proposal regarding seeking private investment. FTT does not
believe that a public-private partnership is likely to deliver value for money
for Tasmania.

FTT’s
view has always been that the Northern Suburbs Railway (or Light Rail) project
can be funded entirely by the State Government without any need for assistance from
the Federal Government or any Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. The cost of the necessary infrastructure and
rolling-stock will inevitably take a few years to properly plan and implement,
thus enabling it to be spread over a number of years. PPPs effectively mean that Governments are
paying a private company a sufficient subsidy to be profitable, thus costing
more money in the long term.

Future
Transport Tasmania spokesperson Toby Rowallan said: “It is good to see that the
ALP has finally made a commitment to the Northern Suburbs Railway. It is a pity
that they did not support it in their last term of Government, as it could have
been operating by now. The ALP did not want to pay for it then, and presumably
also did not want the Greens to get any credit. FTT is not interested in this sort of
political point-scoring game, nor do we believe that any private funding is
necessary. The cost of the project can
easily be afforded by the state, as the entire capital cost will not be
required in one hit.”

“FTT
now seeks a commitment from the ALP and other political parties, to ensure that
heritage rail operators can use the Northern Suburbs Railway. Also, most critically, that they guarantee
the rail link between Bridgewater and Granton will not be cut, and that the
replacement Bridgewater Bridge includes a new rail crossing. FTT also seeks clarification on the precise
nature of what the ALP are proposing, and whether it will be a light rail
network that can be expanded to suitable parts of Hobart in future, or if it
will be restricted to the existing corridor.”

“FTT
also wants to stress the critical nature of the Northern Suburbs Railway to the
Macquarie Point Development (MPD). The MPD simply will not succeed without the
railway going through it into the CBD, to ensure that the area is properly
connected without creating more demand for cars and car parks. FTT is most
encouraged by the ALP’s policy, but we remain cautious. In the event of a
minority government after the state election, we urge the ALP to stick to their
guns on this, and help push it through, in the interests of Tasmanians, rather
than the usual blame game perpetuated by party interests,” finished Mr Rowallan.

To lobby for and promote rail transport as a preferred option for bulk and intermodal freight

To lobby for and promote improvement and expansion of Tasmania’s rail infrastructure and network

-The retention of the Bridgewater to Hobart line- The reopening of various other lines eg. Derwent Valley, Wiltshire, Smithton and Scottsdale

To lobby for transport solutions to be integrated into urban and regional planning

PRIMARY RATIONALE

Climate change demands action, increased public transport services are inherent to this response

Increasing oil costs, together with the reality of Peak Oil will ensure that significant improvements to public transport services, with a much wider range of options, is necessary in the near future

Economic efficiency –assisting business and providing jobs

Equity and accessibility

Improved air quality and matching Tasmania’s Clean and Green brand

Addressing unsustainable traffic congestion

Removing discrimination –improving access to public transport for the disabled, elderly people and parents

More closely knit and cohesive communities;-eg. Neighbours who catch the same bus are much more likely to talk to one another in comparison to those who drive themselves to work

The notion that public transport systems or indeed a publicly owned rail system have to pay their own way is potentially counterproductive to the aim of such a system-Were Hobart’s old tram and suburban rail systems closed due to lack of patronage, or running costs?

Current demand is not relative to future use, simply because of the lack of current transport alternatives

Rail transport is potentially far more efficient than road, and has multiple benefits alongside decreasing carbon emissions, including;-significantly decreased road maintenance costs-potentially decreased road toll and associated costs relating to heavy vehicle crashes-Tasmania’s rail network was constructed in the 19th century and has to compete with a 20th century highway

MORE ABOUT US

Until now there has been no community-based group advocating public and rail transport. We are here to fill this gap and provide a voice for these issues in the public arena.

We mean business and will work as vigorously as any corporate lobby group does, except that unlike some we want to hear public opinion.

Membership of FTT is open to any person who wishes to be a part of it.

We are not affiliated with any political party. We welcome discussion of our agenda and ideas with anyone, and we hope to have discussions with all three major political parties in Tasmania about these issues.

Tasmania is currently re-defining itself. As part of this process of change and growth, in a vision of sustainability and progress, transport infrastructure is a vital part of nation (and state) building. Future Transport Tasmania aims to bring this vision of the future into today’s public debate.

For further information and comment:Toby Rowallan (Secretary) 0418 997 069Email: